Luke 5, New Living Translation:
- 11 And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus.
- 15 But despite Jesus’ instructions, the report of his power spread even faster, and vast crowds came to hear him preach and to be healed of their diseases.
- 26 Everyone was gripped with great wonder and awe, and they praised God, exclaiming, “We have seen amazing things today!”
- 28 So Levi got up, left everything, and followed him.
Jesus is doing all kinds of miracles in Luke 5. He takes what is routine and turns it upside down: Simon out fishing with disappointing results. Jesus tells him, go deep, and abundance flows. A leper, ashamed–an outcast–healed and made new with something to offer and praise on his lips, a story to tell. A paralyzed man, double blessed: forgiven, and to top it off, he jumps up and goes home.
I’ve been there, spiritually. Disappointed and empty handed for my efforts. A modern-day leper and outcast in a community. A life-season paralyzed by insecurity.
I’m thankful.
Thankful to see abundance in taking a chance on Jesus when he told us to go out deeper. Thankful that he made me new, for praise and thanksgiving that fall naturally out of my mouth–and a removal of shame that I can share my story. For friends who carried me to the Lord, always pointing to him–oh, I remember the day when the weight was lifted, and I could stand.
He does miracles still … today.
My Lord, my God. You are amazing.
Courtney (66books365)
Sixty-six books in a year 
Shame is crippling, I know from experience. Only God’s forgiveness has allowed me to be open for scrutiny and surgery; He alone is the Healer.